NAF@60: Special Inter-Denominational Church Services Held in Abuja, Other NAF Units

In line with activities airmarked for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 60th anniversary celebration, special interdenominational church services was held on Sunday, across NAF units nationwide.

In Abuja, the commemorative service was held at theSt Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Bill Clinton Drive, NAF Base, Abuja. The church service, which attracted a large turnout of Christian faithfuls including NAF personnel, was held to appreciate God for His mercies over the NAF and for all the numerous successes the service has continued to record in all its operations in spite of contemporary challenges.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, stated that the NAF had every reason to be grateful to God, based on its significant contributions to national security in the last 60 years. The CAS also noted that the 60th anniversary celebration presents a unique opportunity for personnel not only to celebrate but also reflect on the need to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the nation is secured and conducive for all citizens to carry out their legitimate businesses.

Air Marshal Abubakar then assured NAF personnel that his administration would continue to work assidiously to ensure that they have the required equipment and resources to discharge their duties effectively. He then reminded them of the need to continually add value to the service for effective and efficient service delivery towards enhancing national security.

Speaking further, the CAS noted that the NAF had witnessed tremendous growth in terms of human capacity development, personnel welfare, serviceable platforms, robust logistics support and expansion, amongst others, to meet the demands of national security.

In his sermon, the Chaplain of the NAF Protestant Church, Abuja, Air Cdre (Rev Dr) Dogo Gani implored all Nigerians to return to the path of God in order to get it right, stating that there was no difficulty or problem that God could not solve. “We shall overcome the challenges facing the nation if we return back to God,” the chaplain said. The NAF, he noted, remains one of the key components of Nigeria’s national security, whose role can not be overemphasized. According to him, the NAF had written its name in gold with great impact in restoring peace both within and outside the nation, noting that the greater impact is yet to come.

Intercessory prayers were later offered for the nation, the NAF leadership and personnel and those involved in the counterinsurgency operation and other internal security operations across the country as well as families of personnel who had paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation.

NAF@60: Special Inter-Denominational Church Services Held in Abuja, Other NAF Units

NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has in a resounding call for innovation and self-reliance within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), highlighted the pivotal role of Research and Development in elevating operational effectiveness.

Speaking at the NAF Inter-Command Research and Development Competition today, held at the prestigious NAF Base on Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significance of fostering indigenous capabilities for the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft platforms.

During the event, which forms part of the NAF’s 60th Anniversary Celebrations, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the necessity of cultivating local expertise to overcome the challenges inherent in aircraft maintenance. His remarks resonated with participants and spectators alike, shining a spotlight on the critical importance of technological advancement and homegrown solutions in the realm of aerial defence.

As the Nigerian Air Force continues to mark six decades of service and commitment to national security, the words of Air Marshal Abubakar serve as a clarion call for a renewed focus on research, development, and innovation within the organization. By harnessing the power of local talent and expertise, the NAF aims to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure a sustainable future for the defense of the nation.

Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar went down memory lane to recount a poignant moment in NAF’s history where, after acquiring 18 Jaguar aircraft in 1984, the entire fleet became grounded 7 years later with some having as little as 150 hours of total flight time majorly due to lack of spares or technical know-how. He went further to lament a similar fate with the MiG 21 aircraft, procured in 1975 and later retired in the late 1980s, with flight hours ranging from 43hrs to 469hrs. These premature retirements, he noted, underscored NAF’s struggle to sustain operations due to technical shortcomings, echoing challenges in maintaining aircraft weaponry and other critical equipment. “This, once more,” declared the CAS, “highlights the indispensable role of Research and Development in NAF’s operations.”

The CAS then went on to highlight NAF’s distinction as a trailblazer in research and development endeavours. According to him, “With the production of the Tsaigumi UAV to pioneering advancements like rocket launchers, heat shields and weaponization of Alpha Jet aircraft, the NAF has consistently showcased its competence in Research and Development innovations. These achievements have ensured the readiness and deployment of NAF platforms and equipment across operational theaters.” Recognizing the paramount importance of Research and Development, Air Marshal Abubakar, announced that he had approved the installation of 8 diverse CNC machines at the Air Force Force Research and Development Centre in Osogbo. He also added that the NAF was on the verge of signing a technology transfer agreement with a company in Europe for the production of the 57mm rocket armament. According to him, “These endeavors epitomize our commitment to prioritizing Research and Development, leveraging state-of-the-art technology, strategic partnerships, and lessons learned, in alignment with my command philosophy.”

In his opening address, the Chief of Standard and Evaluation, Air Vice Marshal MN Onyebashi, elucidated the competition’s purpose which he says was to showcase innovative solutions addressing operational, maintenance, and service-related challenges within the NAF.

The occasion was graced by Branch Chiefs, senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy and NAF as well as participants from NAF Commands across the country.

NAF@60: Research and Development Vital for Operational Efficiency – CAS

We must deploy technology to combat security challenges – COAS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says security forces must remain proactive in the use of technology to address the nation’s security challenges.

Lagbaja said this when he received members of the Technical Committee established by the Ministry of Defense and Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

The committee is to advise on the way forward in combating security challenges confronting northern Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was led by the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed-Tijani Jibril.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army had been engaged in its constitutional roles of protecting the country against external aggression and internal subversion with troops deployed in all the 36 states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory.

He said the service had identified that the changing nature and character of conflicts was driven largely by technology.

“We are glad that this committee set up by the Ministry of Defence and ONSA has been tasked to identify how we can be a step ahead of the adversary in terms of technology so that we can quickly win all our battles and engagements.

“So, I want to appreciate the committee looking in that direction and we have also understood through our review that the military effort, the kinetic, will not win this war alone.

“So, we need all the support, technical or otherwise because the Nigerian Army has a lot of capability,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Jibrin, said the committee visited the army headquarters to get their inputs and further suggestions on how to address the challenges.

He said the committee had the task of identifying the technological gaps that needed to be closed to be able to win the war against insecurity in northern Nigeria.

He urged the COAS and the senior officers to be frank in making their suggestions and inputs.

We must deploy technology to combat security challenges – COAS